scholarly journals Compassionate Conservation and the Challenge of Sustainable Wildlife Management: A Survey of the Urban Public of China

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (9) ◽  
pp. 2521
Author(s):  
Zhen Miao ◽  
Qiang Wang ◽  
Xinyi Lu ◽  
Dongxiao Chen ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
...  

Sustainable wildlife management (SWM) is based on a synergy of traditional/local knowledge, advances in scientific knowledge, and fast-evolving economic and social circumstances. A widely accepted cornerstone of SWM globally is that conservation and utilization need to be effectively integrated, emphasizing the benefits humans can derive from biodiversity, thereby further encouraging people to protect and value wildlife though its management. However, with demand from biological resources growing at an unprecedented rate and the emergence of social media, conservationists must respond quickly to new challenges and conflicts associated with species management and public policy. For example, the rise of the “Compassionate Conservation” (CC) movement, fueled by social marketing and media, which promotes the welfare of individual animals, has introduced a set of challenges for conventional conservation management as it opposes most or all forms of wildlife utilization and hunting. CC advocates are increasingly influential at global and national policy levels; hence, it is imperative that conservationists are informed and aware of the future challenges from a rapidly changing global society. In this paper, we report the findings of a large semi-structured questionnaire in China which investigated the attitude of the urban public toward sustainable wildlife management (SWM) and wildlife conservation across a range of issues and identified the key socio-economic and demographic factor drivers for those attitudes. The survey was conducted from November 2018 to October 2020, across 15 cities randomly selected among China’s seven administrative geographic regions. The survey was initially conducted through face-to-face interviews, but later, due to COVID-19 restrictions, was completed via online questionnaires. A Likert seven-point scale method was used to score the public’s degree of agreement or disagreement for each question; a multivariate stepwise linear regression method was used to analyze whether the overall attitude of the respondents toward SWM and wildlife conservation was affected by their demographic characteristics; and a classification and regression tree (CART) was used to conduct an in-depth analysis of the issues with negative scores in the questionnaire, so as to understand how the respondents’ demographic characteristics affected the public’s attitude about such issues, which could supplement results obtained from the multivariate stepwise linear regression analysis. The results show that the public are broadly supportive of SWM, but only moderately so. On issues of “Animal Welfare and Rights,” “Wildlife Utilization and Captive Breeding,” and “Trophy Hunting”, the core concerns of the “Compassionate Conservation” movement and the overall public view are more antagonistic to conventional SWM. We also find specific demographic characteristics significantly influence attitudes about SWM, with vegetarians, those with religious beliefs, and with lower educational standards demonstrating weaker support for SWM. For younger people, “Animal Welfare and Rights” is a special concern, hence, we identify this as a key issue to be addressed for SWM and conservation in the future. Our research suggests that conservation organisations may need to adapt their management aims and practices to avoid direct conflict with the rising tide of animal rights sentiment, especially among the young. Furthermore, significant investment will be required to promote science-based conservation in social marketing on all social media platforms to help educate and engage the public with the science behind conservation management.

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-84
Author(s):  
Melynda Cheok Ka Yi ◽  
Jayasilan Mohd-Azlan

Poaching is one of the greatest immediate threats and a serious conservation challenge facing wildlife in Borneo. Medium- to large-sized mammals, while charismatic, are hunted for consumption and sale. This study focuses on wildlife hunting and utilization of selected communities in a remote area in Sarawak, conducted using interview surveys within communities who hunt wildlife in Ulu Baleh. The calculated hunting pressure index in Ulu Baleh (2.24) is considered low compared to other parts of Sarawak. Local communities are dependent on wildlife protein and medicine. Even though the common hunting offtake included the bearded pig and deer species, for the hunter’s own consumption, hunters were opportunistic in taking non-target species and selling surplus meat. Lack of awareness of the implications of unsustainable hunting and difficulty in monitoring by the relevant authorities appear to be the main challenges to wildlife conservation in the area. This paper highlights the lack of research documenting wildlife utilization in the Ulu Baleh region and the implication of these results are particularly important for future adaptive wildlife management, especially for species of conservation importance in Sarawak.


2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanine P.D. Guidry ◽  
Richard D. Waters ◽  
Gregory D. Saxton

Purpose – This paper aims to examine what type of messaging on Twitter is most effective for helping move social marketing beyond focusing on personal changes to find out what messages help turn members of the public into vocal advocates for these organizations’ social changes. Social marketing scholarship has regularly focused on how organizations can effectively influence changes in awareness and behaviors among their targeted audience. Communication scholarship, however, has repeatedly shown that the most influential form of persuasion happens interpersonally. As such, it is imperative that organizations learn how to engage audiences and facilitate the discussion about organizational messages between individuals. Social media provide platforms for such conversations, as organizational messaging can be shared and discussed by individuals with others in their networks. Design/methodology/approach – Through a content analysis of 3,415 Twitter updates from 50 nonprofit organizations, this study identifies specific types of messages that are more likely to get stakeholders retweeting, archiving and discussing the organizations’ messaging through regression analysis. Findings – Messages focusing on calls-to-action and community building generated the most retweets and Twitter conversation; however, they were also the least used strategies by nonprofit organizations. Originality/value – Research has regularly examined the types of messages sent out by nonprofit organizations on Twitter, but they have not tested those messages against measures of engagement. This study pushes the understanding of social media communication to the next level by analyzing those message categories against metrics provided by Twitter for each tweet in the sample.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Khoo ◽  
G So ◽  
C Chan

Abstract Study question How are sexual behavior and sexual desire of Hong Kong women affected during the Covid-19 pandemic? Summary answer The Covid-19 pandemic has a negative impact on the sexual life of adult women, in particular, single women who do not have a live-in partner. What is known already Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, there have been ongoing debates on whether lockdown measures would do more harm on individuals or families who are already living in fear of virus infection. Some studies have shown that despite social distancing and measures that limit contact and interaction, women, particularly those who are either married or have a stable partner, were found to be sexually more active and reported stronger emotional bonding with their partners during lockdown. This study attempts to examine any significant changes in sexual behavior and sexual desire of adult females in Hong Kong during the pandemic. Study design, size, duration This is a cross-sectional online study examining the sexual behaviors among female adults. The survey was conducted in Hong Kong between July and August 2020, in which the city has been locked down. Participants/materials, setting, methods Six hundred and two Chinese female adults (mean age = 32±7.09) were recruited through social media and community networks. Respondents completed the Desire Domain of the Female Sexual Function Index and self-reported frequency of sexual behavior before and during the Covid-19 pandemic. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to compare sexual behavior and sexual desire across demographic groups. Linear regression was conducted with sexual behavior and sexual desire as criterion variable and demographic characteristics as predictors. Main results and the role of chance Women reported significantly lower frequency of sexual behavior during the Covid-19 pandemic compared to previously (t = 8.25, P < .001). Less often did women feel sexual desire or interest during the pandemic (t = 7.05, P < .001) and a lower degree of sexual desire or interest was reported (t = 11.16, P < .001). During the pandemic, women who were married or cohabitated reported significantly more frequent sexual behavior than did single women with partners (P < .01), while the two groups were comparable in terms of the frequency and intensity of having sexual desire. Linear regression analyses showed a statistically significant reduction in frequency of sexual intercourse during Covid-19 with increasing age (B = -.19, P < .001), and being single with (B = -.26, P < .001) or without partner (B = -.40, P < .001), taking into account all other demographic characteristics. Single women reported significantly less often did they feel sexual desire or interest during Covid-19, while age (B = -.26, P < .001) and being single without a partner (B = -.22, P < .001) predicted significantly lower intensity of sexual desire during Covid-19. Limitations, reasons for caution Women with either primary or secondary education level are not adequately represented as recruitment was carried out via community network and social media platform, which are more likely to be more accessible by a population who is more tech-savvy and has more access to email. Wider implications of the findings We are still in the middle of the pandemic and there is still paucity of data illustrating its impact on sexual life. Current findings could give insight to stakeholders to develop sexual health counselling services that address the negative effect on sexual intimacy arising from sexual behavioral change. Trial registration number Not applicable


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D Khoo ◽  
G So ◽  
C Chan

Abstract Study question How are sexual behavior and sexual desire of Hong Kong women affected during the Covid–19 pandemic? Summary answer The Covid–19 pandemic has a negative impact on the sexual life of adult women, in particular, single women who do not have a live-in partner. What is known already Since the beginning of the Covid–19 pandemic, there have been ongoing debates on whether lockdown measures would do more harm on individuals or families who are already living in fear of virus infection. Some studies have shown that despite social distancing and measures that limit contact and interaction, women, particularly those who are either married or have a stable partner, were found to be sexually more active and reported stronger emotional bonding with their partners during lockdown. This study attempts to examine any significant changes in sexual behavior and sexual desire of adult females in Hong Kong during the pandemic. Study design, size, duration This is a cross-sectional online study examining the sexual behaviors among female adults. The survey was conducted in Hong Kong between July and August 2020, in which the city has been locked down. Participants/materials, setting, methods Six hundred and two Chinese female adults (mean age = 32±7.09) were recruited through social media and community networks. Respondents completed the Desire Domain of the Female Sexual Function Index and self-reported frequency of sexual behavior before and during the Covid–19 pandemic. T-tests and ANOVAs were used to compare sexual behavior and sexual desire across demographic groups. Linear regression was conducted with sexual behavior and sexual desire as criterion variable and demographic characteristics as predictors. Main results and the role of chance Women reported significantly lower frequency of sexual behavior during the Covid–19 pandemic compared to previously (t = 8.25, P < .001). Less often did women feel sexual desire or interest during the pandemic (t = 7.05, P < .001) and a lower degree of sexual desire or interest was reported (t = 11.16, P < .001). During the pandemic, women who were married or cohabitated reported significantly more frequent sexual behavior than did single women with partners (P < .01), while the two groups were comparable in terms of the frequency and intensity of having sexual desire. Linear regression analyses showed a statistically significant reduction in frequency of sexual intercourse during Covid–19 with increasing age (B = -.19, P < .001), and being single with (B = -.26, P < .001) or without partner (B = -.40, P < .001), taking into account all other demographic characteristics. Single women reported significantly less often did they feel sexual desire or interest during Covid–19, while age (B = -.26, P < .001) and being single without a partner (B = -.22, P < .001) predicted significantly lower intensity of sexual desire during Covid–19. Limitations, reasons for caution Women with either primary or secondary education level are not adequately represented as recruitment was carried out via community network and social media platform, which are more likely to be more accessible by a population who is more tech-savvy and has more access to email. Wider implications of the findings: We are still in the middle of the pandemic and there is still paucity of data illustrating its impact on sexual life. Current findings could give insight to stakeholders to develop sexual health counselling services that address the negative effect on sexual intimacy arising from sexual behavioral change. Trial registration number Not applicable


Animals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1821
Author(s):  
Zhen Miao ◽  
Qiang Wang ◽  
Dongxiao Chen ◽  
Zhifan Song ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
...  

Wildlife conservation and management has become a very complex public policy issue in China as concerns over on animal welfare and empathy for animals have grown. Science-based conservation strategies that are oriented toward sustainable wildlife management (SWM) are under threat as these new attitudes and values emerge and take hold. This study accesses the attitudes of college students towards SWM and wildlife conservation, and investigates demographic characteristics influencing their attitudes in China, a country that is traditionally associated with consumptive use of wildlife and SWM, but where new ideas about wildlife conservation are emerging. From October 2018 to April 2019, nine universities (including “Double First-Class” universities, first-tier universities, second-tier universities), and four three-year colleges in China were selected as survey locations, and face-to-face interviews were conducted with 1991 students. A total of 1977 questionnaires were recovered, of which 1739 were valid, with a completion rate of 88%. A Likert seven-point scale method was used to score students’ attitudes, and a classification and regression tree (CART) was used to analyze whether their attitudes were affected by their demographic characteristics. The results show that although students are broadly supportive of the theory of SWM, some are deeply antagonistic about on SWM on issues that arouse strong emotions such as “Animal Welfare and Rights” and “Trophy Hunting”. Demographic characteristics of students affect their degree of support for the SWM with support for SWM lower among vegetarians, freshmen, and students who have taken environmental protection electives. This research suggests that the theory of SWM requires to be refreshed and adapted to appeal to the younger generation of Chinese students, with SWM principles integrated into the environmental education programs of universities and three-year colleges. More attention should also be attached to media publicity by the government about wildlife conservation so as to enhance awareness of the need for SWM.


Author(s):  
EVA MOEHLECKE DE BASEGGIO ◽  
OLIVIA SCHNEIDER ◽  
TIBOR SZVIRCSEV TRESCH

The Swiss Armed Forces (SAF), as part of a democratic system, depends on legitimacy. Democracy, legitimacy and the public are closely connected. In the public sphere the SAF need to be visible; it is where they are controlled and legitimated by the citizens, as part of a deliberative discussion in which political decisions are communicatively negotiated. Considering this, the meaning of political communication, including the SAF’s communication, becomes obvious as it forms the most important basis for political legitimation processes. Social media provide a new way for the SAF to communicate and interact directly with the population. The SAF’s social media communication potentially brings it closer to the people and engages them in a dialogue. The SAF can become more transparent and social media communication may increase its reputation and legitimacy. To measure the effects of social media communication, a survey of the Swiss internet population was conducted. Based on this data, a structural equation model was defined, the effects of which substantiate the assumption that the SAF benefits from being on social media in terms of broadening its reach and increasing legitimacy values.


Author(s):  
Eddy Suwito

The development of technology that continues to grow, the public increasingly facilitates socialization through technology. Opinion on free and uncontrolled social media causes harm to others. The law sees this phenomenon subsequently changing. Legal Information Known as Information and Electronic Transaction Law or ITE Law. However, the ITE Law cannot protect the entire general public. Because it is an Article in the ITE Law that is contrary to Article in the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-152
Author(s):  
Radosław Molenda

Showing the specificity of the work of the contemporary library, and the variety of its tasks, which go far beyond the lending of books. The specificity of the library’s public relations concerning different aspects of its activity. The internal and external functions of the library’s public relations and their specificity. The significant question of motivating the social environment to use the offer of libraries, and simulta-neously the need to change the negative perception of the library, which discourages part of its poten-tial users from taking advantage of its services. The negative stereotypes of librarians’ work perpetuated in the public consciousness and their harmful character. The need to change the public relations of libra-ries and librarians with a view to improving the realization of the tasks they face. Showing the public relations tools which may serve to change the image of librarians and libraries with particular emphasis on social media. This article is a review article, highlighting selected research on the librarian’s stereo-type and suggesting actions that change the image of librarians and libraries.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laila Fariha Zein ◽  
Adib Rifqi Setiawan

In today’s world, it is easier and easier to stay connected with people who are halfway across the world. Social media and a globalizing economy have created new methods of business, trade and socialization resulting in vast amounts of communication and effecting global commerce. Like her or hate her, Kimberly Noel Kardashian West as known as Kim Kardashian has capitalized on social media platforms and the globalizing economy. Kim is known for two things: famous for doing nothing and infamous for a sex tape. But Kim has not let those things define her. With over 105 million Instagram followers and 57 million Twitter followers, Kim has become a major global influence. Kim has travelled around the world, utilizing the success she has had on social media to teach make-up master classes with professional make-up artist, Mario Dedivanovic. She owns or has licensed several different businesses including: an emoji app, a personal app, a gaming app, a cosmetics line, and a fragrance line. Not to be forgotten, the Kardashian family show, ‘Keeping Up with the Kardashians’ has been on the air for ten years with Kim at the forefront. Kim also has three books: ‘Kardashian Konfidential’, ‘Dollhouse’, and ‘Selfish’. With her rising social media following, Kim has used the platforms to show her support for politicians and causes, particularly, recognition of the Armenian genocide. Kim also recently spoke at the Forbes’ women’s summit. Following the summit, Kim tweeted out her support for a recent movement on Twitter, #freeCyntoiaBrown which advocated for a young woman who claimed to have shot and killed the man who held her captive as a teenage sex slave in self-defense. Kim had her own personal lawyers help out Cyntoia on her case. Kim has also moved beyond advocating for issues within the confines of the United States. As mentioned earlier, she is known for advocating for recognition of the Armenian genocide. In the last two years, her show has made it a point to address the Armenian situation as it was then and as it is now. Kim has been recognized as a global influencer by others across the wordl. We believe Kim has become the same as political leaders when it comes to influencing the public. Kim’s story reveals that the new reality creates a perfect opportunity for mass disturbances or for initiating mass support or mass disapproval. Although Kim is typically viewed for her significance to pop culture, Kim’s business and social media following have placed her deep into the mix of international commerce. As her businesses continue to grow and thrive, we may see more of her influence on international issues and an increase in the commerce from which her businesses benefit.


Author(s):  
Meghan Lynch ◽  
Irena Knezevic ◽  
Kennedy Laborde Ryan

To date, most qualitative knowledge about individual eating patterns and the food environment has been derived from traditional data collection methods, such as interviews, focus groups, and observations. However, there currently exists a large source of nutrition-related data in social media discussions that have the potential to provide opportunities to improve dietetic research and practice. Qualitative social media discussion analysis offers a new tool for dietetic researchers and practitioners to gather insights into how the public discusses various nutrition-related topics. We first consider how social media discussion data come with significant advantages including low-cost access to timely ways to gather insights from the public, while also cautioning that social media data have limitations (e.g., difficulty verifying demographic information). We then outline 3 types of social media discussion platforms in particular: (i) online news article comment sections, (ii) food and nutrition blogs, and (iii) discussion forums. We discuss how each different type of social media offers unique insights and provide a specific example from our own research using each platform. We contend that social media discussions can contribute positively to dietetic research and practice.


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